Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that a bipartisan coalition of states has reached a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and members of the Sackler family.
The Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, are known for their role in developing and aggressively marketing OxyContin, which contributed to the nationwide opioid crisis.
The settlement addresses Purdue’s role in the opioid crisis that has devastated communities nationwide. It will end the Sacklers’ control of Purdue and their ability to sell opioids in the United States.
The financial award is intended to provide funding to support opioid addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs over the next 15 years.
Paxton emphasized that while the settlement cannot undo the damage, it will equip Texas with crucial resources to fight opioid abuse.
“For years, I have aggressively worked to hold Purdue Pharma accountable for its role in the opioid crisis,” Paxton stated. “While nothing can restore what was lost, this settlement will provide Texans with valuable resources to help prevent further opioid abuse.”
Paxton has been a leader in holding companies accountable, securing over $3 billion in settlements with Johnson & Johnson, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and others.
Attorneys general from 14 states, including California, Florida, and New York, are joining him in securing this settlement.
Texas officials will oversee the distribution to ensure effective use in combating the crisis.
Paxton is also pursuing legal action against Pfizer, Inc., appealing a district court’s dismissal of his lawsuit.
He alleges that Pfizer misrepresented the effectiveness and safety of its COVID-19 vaccine and collaborated with social media platforms to suppress criticism.
Initially filed in November 2023, the lawsuit claims Pfizer prioritized profits over transparency.
A federal judge dismissed the case in December 2024, citing immunity under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act.
Despite the ruling, Paxton is moving forward with an appeal.
“Pfizer knowingly misrepresented the safety of their COVID-19 vaccine while pressuring Americans to take it without full knowledge of the risks,” said Paxton. “I will not stop until Pfizer is held accountable for pushing its vaccine on consumers deceptively.”
Paxton remains committed to ensuring Texans receive accurate information and holding corporations accountable for misleading the public.